10 Reasons Why Your Septic Tank Is Clogged

10 Reasons Why Your Septic Tank Is Clogged

Septic tanks are integral to residential and commercial sewage systems, processing waste effectively while protecting the environment from further pollution. But over time, they can become clogged up, leading to various issues and potentially costly septic tank repair or replacement. Understanding why clogging occurs will help avoid these costly repairs or replacements. Metro Septic Pumping looks at several common factors contributing to clogged-up tanks.

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) disposal errors are one of the primary contributors to septic tank clogs. When these materials are flushed down the drain or put in toilet tanks, they solidify, blocking natural wastewater flow into septic systems - ultimately leading to blockages that compromise their efficacy and can compromise overall system health.

Non-Degradable Materials

Flushing non-degradable materials down your toilet or drains can have serious repercussions for the health of your septic tank. Items such as sanitary products, paper towels, baby wipes, and cat litter do not break down quickly. They may accumulate in your tank over time, hindering its ability to function optimally.

Water Use in Large Amounts

Applying excessive quantities of water quickly can overwhelm a septic tank, hindering proper wastewater treatment. The system needs time to break down solids while allowing liquid to pass through them. Overloading with excess water leads to clogs that compromise its overall efficiency.

Tree Roots

Septic tanks and drain fields can be vulnerable to invading tree roots that seek moisture and nourishment from within their pipes and tanks, infiltrating through cracks to cause cracks or blockages that restrict wastewater flow, leading to backups and potentially damaging the system. When these roots grow within it, they restrict it further, restricting flow as they clog pipes and potentially leading to potential clogs which clogs may occur within its system, further inhibiting its operation and possibly even leading to potential clogs which could restrict waste treatment system performance as a whole.

Garbage Disposals

While garbage disposals may seem convenient, they can introduce solid waste into a septic system that cannot process it efficiently. Food scraps, coffee grounds, and other debris from the disposal may accumulate in its tank and hinder its function - regular usage without proper maintenance can even contribute to tank clogs!

Improper Maintenance

Skipping routine septic tank maintenance tasks like pumping and inspection can cause blockages in your septic system. Over time, solid waste accumulates inside of it, decreasing capacity and leading to blockages. Proper care from professional septic companies, including regular pumping, is vital to avoid these blockages and ensure optimal system performance.

Leach Field Issues

A leach or drain field is integral to any septic system, dispensing waste from its tank into the surrounding soil and providing proper drainage. If it becomes saturated or clogged, this can compromise proper drainage, leading to backups that require professional septic tank repairs or installation services for resolution.

Flooding

When excess rainfall or flooding overwhelms a septic system, its drain field becomes saturated and cannot effectively absorb or disperse liquid waste, leading to backup and clogged septic tanks. By taking measures such as redirecting rainwater away from the system and managing flow around it during heavy rainfall events, issues associated with oversaturation can be avoided.

Harsh Cleaning Chemicals

Relying on harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach, drain cleaners, and antibacterial soaps to clean your septic tank may irreparably upset its delicate balance of bacteria. By killing off necessary bacteria that help break down waste quickly and efficiently, using them becomes increasingly more challenging, leading to solid accumulation and potential clogs in your septic system.

Lack of Water Entering the Tank

While excess water can wreak havoc on a septic system, insufficient amounts entering its tank can also pose issues. Amounts entering are too few can hinder solids breakdown and disrupt system function altogether, necessitating enough enters to maintain a healthy balance and avoid any possible clogs.

Metro Septic Pumping

At Metro Septic Pumping, our septic company mission is to offer professional septic tank pumping services that help prevent and resolve clogged septic tank issues. Our experienced team understands the significance of regular maintenance for your septic system - pumping, repair, or septic tank installation. With reliable and efficient services that ensure healthy systems, no clogs, and smooth operation of wastewater disposal. We look forward to helping our clients!